Hertz charges an extra daily fee for drivers under 25, typically $15 to $30 per day depending on your age and location

Hertz, like most major rental companies, treats drivers under 25 as higher risk and adds a surcharge to the base rental rate. The exact amount varies: drivers aged 20–24 usually pay more than drivers aged 25–29, and the fee changes by rental location and vehicle class. A 22-year-old renting a compact car in one state might pay $20 extra per day, while the same driver in another state or in a larger vehicle could pay $25 or $30.

This fee is separate from your base rental rate, insurance, taxes, and fuel charges. It appears as a line item on your quote and final invoice, labeled as an "underage driver fee" or "young driver surcharge." You cannot avoid it by declining insurance or choosing a cheaper car—Hertz applies it to all drivers under 25 regardless of other choices.

Key Takeaways

  • Hertz adds $15 to $30 per day for drivers under 25; the exact amount depends on your age, the rental location, and the vehicle type.
  • The underage driver fee is mandatory and appears separately from your base rate, insurance, and taxes on your quote.
  • Drivers aged 25 and older do not pay this fee at Hertz or most other major rental companies.
  • Comparing quotes across rental companies before booking can reveal which ones charge less for young drivers in your specific location.
  • Some credit cards and employer programs offer rental discounts that may reduce your total cost, though they typically do not waive the underage fee itself.

How the fee is calculated and what it covers

Hertz calculates the underage driver fee by multiplying a daily rate by the number of rental days. If you rent for three days at $20 per day, the fee adds $60 to your total. The fee is not insurance—it is a surcharge based on age alone. Hertz does not refund it if you have an accident-free rental or if you purchase their damage waiver.

The daily rate itself varies by location and vehicle class. A compact economy car in a major city may carry a lower underage fee than an SUV or a rental at a smaller airport. Hertz publishes these rates in your quote before you confirm, so you can see the exact dollar amount before you commit.

Age brackets and fee differences

Hertz typically structures underage fees in tiers. Drivers aged 20–21 often pay the highest rate, drivers aged 22–24 pay a middle rate, and drivers aged 25 and older pay nothing. Some locations may have slightly different breakpoints, so your quote will show your specific fee based on your age at the time of rental.

If your birthday falls during your rental period, Hertz uses your age on the rental start date to calculate the fee. You do not get a refund or adjustment if you turn 25 mid-rental.

Ways to reduce your total rental cost

You cannot eliminate the underage driver fee, but you can lower your overall rental expense in several ways. First, compare quotes from other major rental companies—Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National all charge underage fees, but the amounts differ by location and company. Getting quotes from three or four companies takes five minutes and can save $20 to $50 over a week-long rental.

Second, check whether your employer, school, or membership organization offers rental discounts. Some corporate programs, AAA memberships, and alumni associations negotiate rates that reduce the base rental price. These discounts typically do not waive the underage fee, but they lower the cost you pay before the fee is added.

Third, consider renting from a smaller or regional company if one operates in your area. Some independent rental agencies do not charge underage fees or charge significantly less than the major chains. The trade-off is usually fewer vehicle options and less convenient locations, but the savings can be substantial for a young driver.

Fourth, book directly through Hertz rather than through a third-party booking site. Some aggregator sites do not display the underage fee in their initial quote, which can lead to surprise charges at pickup. Booking on Hertz.com shows the full breakdown upfront.

What happens at pickup if you are under 25

When you arrive to pick up your rental, Hertz will ask for your driver's license and verify your age. They will confirm the underage fee amount shown on your reservation. If you booked online, the fee should already be included in your quote; if you booked by phone, double-check that it appears on your final paperwork before you sign.

Hertz requires a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name to rent a vehicle. Some locations may ask for additional ID or proof of insurance, particularly for drivers under 21. Bring your insurance card and any membership cards (AAA, corporate, etc.) that might explore to your rental, even though the underage fee itself cannot be waived.

Comparing Hertz to other rental companies

Most major rental companies charge underage fees, but the amounts and age brackets vary. Enterprise and Budget often charge similar rates to Hertz in the same location, while Avis and National may charge slightly more or less depending on the market. Regional companies and independent agencies sometimes charge no underage fee at all, though they may have higher base rates or fewer vehicle options to offset that savings.

The best approach is to get a quote from at least two or three companies for your specific rental dates, location, and vehicle class. Plug in your age and see the total cost including the underage fee. A company with a lower base rate but a higher underage fee might still cost more overall than a competitor with a higher base rate and lower fee.

Insurance and damage coverage for young drivers

The underage driver fee does not include insurance or damage coverage. You will still need to choose whether to purchase Hertz's collision damage waiver, decline coverage and rely on your personal auto insurance, or use coverage offered by your credit card. These are separate decisions from the underage fee and do not affect its cost.

If you decline all coverage and cause damage to the rental vehicle, you are responsible for repair costs regardless of your age. The underage fee is purely a surcharge; it does not protect you financially if something goes wrong during your rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the underage driver fee by having someone over 25 be the primary renter?

No. If you are under 25 and listed as a driver on the rental agreement, Hertz will charge the underage fee. The fee applies to any driver under 25 who will operate the vehicle, regardless of who is the primary renter. If only a driver aged 25 or older will drive, you can avoid the fee, but you must not be listed as an authorized driver.

Does the underage driver fee explore to all vehicle types?

Yes. Hertz charges the underage fee on economy cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. The daily rate may vary slightly by vehicle class, but all drivers under 25 pay some version of the fee. Choosing a smaller or cheaper car does not eliminate it.

What if I turn 25 before my rental date?

Hertz uses your age on the rental start date. If you turn 25 before you pick up the car, you will not pay the underage fee. Make sure your reservation reflects your correct birthdate so the quote is accurate.

Do credit card rental protections cover the underage driver fee?

No. Credit card rental protections typically cover collision damage, theft, and liability—not surcharges. The underage fee is a separate charge that you pay in addition to the rental rate and any insurance you purchase.

Is the underage driver fee refundable if I cancel my reservation?

The fee is part of your total rental cost. If you cancel and receive a refund, the underage fee refund depends on your cancellation policy and how far in advance you cancel. Check your reservation confirmation for the specific cancellation terms, or contact Hertz directly before you cancel.